1981 Honda Accord vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 412 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
